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RCC hosts Global Logistics Career Fair May 17

ARCHDALE — Randolph Community College’s Archdale Center will host a Global Logistics Technology Career Fair from 4-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, to spotlight the new program slated to begin classes in fall 2012.

The public is invited to attend.

“RCC is currently accepting admissions applications for this new program which will prepare students for exciting opportunities in the field of global logistics,” said Lisa Bock, director of the Archdale Center.

Logistics is the universal thread or pipeline that plans and coordinates the delivery of products and services to consumers all over the world. Logistics professionals manage and coordinate activities in this global pipeline to ensure an effective and efficient flow of materials and information from the time a need arises until it is satisfied and beyond.

RCC will offer three program options: A two-year Associate in Applied Science degree, a one-year Diploma program and a Certificate program consisting of 18 credit hours.

“While some enrolling in the program may already be employed in the logistics field and simply looking to fortify their credentials, others may be newcomers to logistics,” said Bock.

At the Career Fair, representatives from various logistics-related companies and employers will be on hand to spotlight potential career opportunities in the local area. College representatives will be available to speak about RCC’s new academic program, the admissions process, financial aid opportunities and more.

The field of logistics is big business. According to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, over $1.5 billion in computerized shipments pass through U.S. ports each day. Transportation-related workforce numbers add up to 11.3 million people, or 8.6 percent of the total U.S. labor force, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics.

In the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina, more than 67,000 people are employed in logistics-related industries, according to the N.C. Center for Global Logistics, equating to approximately one in every 10 people employed.

While employment needs and salary ranges will vary depending on the specific job title, employment of logisticians is expected to increase by 29 percent in North Carolina through 2016 and 20 percent nationally through 2018, according to labor statistics.

Two additional Archdale Center programs, Welding Technology and Medical Assisting, will be highlighted at the May 17 Career Fair. Both programs were established at the Archdale Center last fall.

Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the college’s 5,700-square-foot, state-of-the-industry Welding Center and meet Basil Wilber, instructor and department head for Welding.

“Certified, trained welders are in big demand regionally and are employed in construction, manufacturing, fabrication, sales, quality control, supervision and welding-related self-employment,” said Bock. Median wages for welders in North Carolina are $34,000 and $34,800 nationwide, but range to around $50,000. Skilled welders who are willing to travel can make much higher salaries.

In addition, Kia Vang, instructor and department head for Medical Assisting, will be on hand to share information about her field and RCC’s two-year AAS degree.

Medical assisting is among the fast-growing job occupations over the 2008-18 decade, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook compiled by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with employment expected to grow 34 percent nationwide during that period.

In North Carolina, according to the Employment Security Commission, the employment of medical assistants was projected to rise 49 percent from 2006-16. The earnings of medical assistants vary, depending on their experience, skill level and location. Salaries for medical assistants in North Carolina range from $21,400 to $36,700 a year. In Randolph County, the entry-level salary is projected to be $11.60/hour.

RCC’s Archdale Center is located at 110 Park Drive, in Creekside Park off U.S. 311, Archdale. For more information about the May 17 Career Fair, call the Archdale Center at (336) 862-7980.